Week #37: Jun. 5th - 9th

Dear Families,

Soooo, how many teaching and learning days do we have left?!  Wowie, time sure is flying on by!!  This being said, I can still vividly visualize (picture) the first day of school seeing the keen and bright eyes and smiles of my students :)  

Throughout the year, we have enjoyed so many aspects of school, but one that sticks out to many of us is our mindful nature walks!  It truly gives us the time to connect with one another and have some heart to heart chats :)  

I love these experiences too!  Most children (and adults) desire for their voice and feelings to be heard.  On our walks, it gives me an excellent opportunity to connect with my students beyond the "classwork."  I truly cherish these moments :-)  

As an educator, it's been one of the MOST memorable school years I've ever had because of all my lovable learners and YOU the extraordinary parents supporting all my teaching endeavours.  I honour each and every one of YOU!

EQAO:

We did it!  Every child did his or her personal best and I couldn't be more proud of my students' hard work and resilience!  

Prior to the testing, I realize some students and parents may have had their apprehensions, but we actually enjoyed this challenging, yet rewarding process as it helped us celebrate what we know and what we don't know YET ;)

At the conclusion of the assessment, students are given the opportunity to complete a questionnaire where they are able to give their honest feedback about how they feel about their reading, writing, and math skills; as well as, the overall layout and process of EQAO.   

As we were packing up the Chromebooks for today, a student mentioned to me, "Hey Ms. Gill, I really like how we get to tell how we feel about the different parts of EQAO."  Right on kiddo, I couldn't agree more :)

Below is a collection of photos I captured as your child maintained a growth mindset and did his or her best to SHOW WHAT THEY KNOW!  

Check out the students poise, focus, and diligence is letting their light shine throughout the EQAO process.  I'm so pourd!

If you wish, please ask your child: 
What were some of the titles of the reading selections? 

What did you write about for the writing prompt questions (e.g., Who are you grateful for?  Why?  If you could travel to any country, where would you go?  Why?) 

Can you tell me about 5 different math questions you answered?

I have shared with my students that although we are done the testing, we will still be learning and working hard on our math, reading, and writing skills until the end of school :) 

It's important to keep building our skills with routine and structure as children (and teachers ;) thrive off of this!

ASSIGNMENTS:

Please have your child access Google Classroom over the weekend to ensure they continue working on their Drama and Letter Writing Assignments.  All expectations and due dates are laid out clearly :) 

Please note, I have provided work periods in class (photos below) and will continue to do so, however, it is imperative that students spend some quality time at home working through these tasks as well.  This helps build their responsibility, independent work, and initiative skills :)

Many thanks in advance for your support!  

PRACTICING MATH FACTS:

As the school year winds down, a friendly reminder to provide your child with time to practice his or her math facts such as adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing. 

The link below offers a variety of engaging and fun math fact based games for your child to try out to help hone their skills!  Give it a go this weekend :) 

Math Fact Games

BEACH DAY:

Despite the not so beachy weather today, thank you to all the staff and students who participated enthusiastically in our beach spirit day!  As always, the time and effort that staff and students put towards all our spirit days this school year is heart soaring!  

Summer's a comin' and we sure made it look, sound, and feel just like it!!  We loved rockin' beach day - ALOHA ;)

CHARACTER RECOGNITION ASSEMBLY:

Our next character recognition assembly will be on Fri. Jun. 23rd at 11:45AM.  We will be recognizing two character traits - RESPECT & RESPONSIBILITY.

If your child is being recognized for a character award, I have sent home a letter indicating this so hopefully by now you received that notification in your child's agenda :)  

June 23rd will also be a spirit day, the theme will be DRESS IN CANADA GEAR to help honour our country's upcoming birthday on July 1st!  

Please have your child dressed from head to toe in red, white, and Canada inspired attire.  Thank you :)

POETRY CAFE:

Very important, if you know that your child will not be at school due to an appointment and/or special outing with a family member on Thurs. Jun. 22nd, please let me know ASAP via the agenda or email.

This would be very helpful for me as I'm preparing the children for rehearsals in preparation for our Poetry Cafe.  There will be important speaking parts for the kids so I need to know about attendance.  Thank you in advance for letting me know and taking this into consideration :)

FUN FAIR:

Wowie, our class' Sports Basket has filled up tremendously!  After my request in last week's post, I'm so touched by all the families who have generously contributed.  Thank you so much parents! 

As a school, we recognize all your responsibilities you (parents) have already with your households and child(ren) so for you all to take the time to purchase and donate an item is truly appreciated.

Please check out the photo below for our Fun Fair details :)  

Please note, visit School Cash Online to purchase wristbands to have the opportunity to try out and play ALL THE ACTIVITIES provided at the Fair.

Any questions regarding this process, please direct them to Mrs. Beattie in the office.  Thank you.

MOLLY:

I am so pleased to share about Molly's amazing achievement in being casted in the musical Joseph.  Her performance was last week and her Dad shared a variety of fantastic videos and images of her.  

Molly's love for the Arts (singing, dancing, and creating) truly shined!  We are so proud of you for representing our school family with excellence.  Way to go kiddo :-)

MINDFULNESS #1:

Please watch the video below which touches upon the importance of understanding and accepting equity, diversity, and inclusion :)

Afterwards, please discuss the following questions as a family: 

What is the songwriter's message?

What words and images stood out to you?  

How can you help someone feel empowered (good about themselves)?

MINDFULNESS #2:

As part of National Indigenous Awareness Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21), today we will learn about and watch another short video to highlight the history and strength of First Nations People.  

#nottawahonoursyou 

Jillian Morris is a Kanienkehaka (Mohawk) woman and band member of Six Nations of the Grand River Territory.  Currently she resides here in Collingwood.

She holds a degree in Public Administration and Indigenous Governance through Ryerson University.  Jillian served 13 years with the Department of National Defence (DND) and co-chaired the Defense Aboriginal Advisory Board for a decade during this time. 

Simultaneously she took advantage of volunteer opportunities which allowed her to build meaningful relationships and networks with other Indigenous people and groups in Simcoe County. 

Thank you Jill Morris for sharing your personal message of self-reflection and resiliency. 

Nottawa, let’s continue to learn about the history and present lives of Indigenous peoples in Canada this month and ongoing! 

GROWTH MINDSET:

Thank you Ben for this week's mindset message!

"Everything happens for a REASON.  Never lose HOPE." - Ben

Perhaps one very powerful realization is that everything happens for a reason because it's preparing you for what's to come in life.  

It's helping to get you ready for a bigger and brighter future.  The pleasure of success sometimes does come with experiencing some adversity.  It's important to have hope and never give up :)

From my heart to yours,

Ms. Gill